The idea that the way someone looks on the outside reflects how they are feeling physically and mentally, is far from the truth. Yet, since that misconception has been widely spread and been accepted, it makes it harder for children and adolescents to have discussions in regards to mental health problems. Mental health has been generally ignored and underestimated for far too long. Access to many mental wellbeing programs or treatments is still considered to be exclusive and lucrative, rather than being regarded as just as critical as physical health. Education about mental health is deemed as taboo and stigmatized, an uncomfortable conversation adults would rather not have with their child. As a result, far too many children and adolescents have to deal with mental health problems on their own.
Source:https://www.unicef.org/pacificislands/press-releases/impact-covid-19-poor-mental-health-children-and-young-people-tip-iceberg-unicef
During the pandemic, discussions about mental health issues have become more important than ever. Children and teens have to be in their homes for extended periods of time, even spanning out into months at a time during lockdowns. As a result, this has manifested into various issues such as limited interactions, poverty, rising domestic abuse, psychosocial distress, and many more that further affect their mental health. Mental health issues is very prevalent so much so, that 45,800 adolescents die from suicide each year, or more than 1 person taking their life every 11 minutes. Research also indicates that there are some increases in stress and anxiety among children and adolescents due to pandemic situations. Unfortunately, with all of the Pandemic-related problems surging to the surface, mental health issues are once again being put aside.
13% of adolescents in the group aged 10 to 19 years old have been living with a mental disorder diagnosis. Within this group, 40% of these diagnoses constitute anxiety and depression, with the others including attention hyperactivity disorder, bipolar disorder, intellectual disorder, eating disorder, autism, schizophrenia, and a group of personality disorders. The problem leads to children and adolescents’ well-being alongside their physical health deteriorating. Pandemic situations and being in lockdown further triggers the issue. In the first half of 2021, adolescents aged 15 to 24 years old have reported that they often feel depressed or have little interest in doing things. The statistics truly highlight the imminent threat of mental health issues that children and adolescents face. Yet, despite the concerning numbers of mental health issues, there is not much being changed to address this critical challenge.
UNICEF groups mental health programs in three different categories of promoting, protecting, and caring. Unfortunately, after being put aside for so long, health-related investments in all three categories are still made far too little by governments and societies all around the world. Global mental health median expenditure is as little as 2.1 percent of the median government spending on health. The number is far more insufficient in comparison to the overall governmental budget. Inadequacy in taking the problem seriously means that mental wellbeing workforces are not fully equipped to address mental health issues in various sectors including primary health care, education, and social protection. The mental health situation for children and adolescents becomes more complex due to the fact that the number of psychiatrists who specialize in treating their age group was fewer than 0.1 per 100,000 in almost all countries.
The good news is, there is a spike in awareness regarding mental health in recent years. Campaigns from WHO, UNICEF, the UN, governments, and NGOs are rising, acknowledging that the problem does need to be addressed. Grassroots projects have also played a role in bringing the issue to the surface. UNICEF has also collaborated with public figures in order to raise awareness and speak closer to the youth. One of the campaigns that successfully spread across the globe, that generated 50 million engagements was the #BTSLoveMyself campaign. It targeted to end violence and neglect, as well as promoting children and youth’s self-esteem and well-being. More and more projects are being established to promote awareness and address mental health issues. UNICEF, WHO, and the UN constituents have more upcoming projects as well as global-scaled initiatives in an effort of providing children and adolescents better access to mental health programs.
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